The Breath of Nature: Welcoming Newborns into Naturis Sancta

In Naturis Sancta, the birth of a child symbolises a new harmony between life and nature. To honour this profound event, we welcome each newborn with The Breath of Nature ritual. This ceremony celebrates the newborn’s introduction to the world and their connection to the forces of nature, which will guide them through life.

"The Breath of Nature" ritual, showing the serene outdoor scene where a newborn is presented to nature, surrounded by symbolic elements.

Ritual Process:

Setting: The ceremony takes place in a natural environment—such as a garden, forest, or by a river—where the child can feel the presence of nature’s beauty and strength.
Presentation to the Elements: The newborn is gently introduced to the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water, each representing a different aspect of life that will support the child’s growth:
- Earth: Stability, grounding, and the foundation of life. The child is held close to the ground to symbolise their lifelong connection with the earth.
- Air: Freedom of thought, clarity, and open-mindedness. A light breeze or incense represents the air that carries the breath of life and the promise of new ideas.
- Fire: Passion, warmth, and energy. A symbolic flame or natural light represents the fire within—the drive and vitality that will guide the child through life.
- Water: Adaptability, nurturing, and emotional flow. A small amount of pure water from a natural source is gently sprinkled on the child, symbolising the nurturing force that sustains life.
Planting of Life: To mark the beginning of the child’s life journey, a small tree or plant is ceremonially placed in the soil. This living symbol grows alongside the child, reminding the family of their responsibility to nurture the child’s connection to nature.
Blessing the Parents: The parents or guardians also receive a blessing, committing to guide the child with respect, harmony, and peace in accordance with the values of Naturis Sancta. They are invited to share their vows to nurture the child in unity with nature.

The Breath of Nature ritual, symbolising the newborn’s introduction to nature and the elements.

Words of Blessing:

Family members and close friends are invited to share words of love and blessings, setting intentions for the child’s life. These words are carried by the wind, symbolising the community’s goodwill that will support the child as they grow.

Closing:

The ceremony concludes with a moment of stillness, where all present reflect on the beauty of life, the power of nature, and the shared responsibility of raising the child in the spirit of Naturis Sancta. This ritual affirms that the child is not only loved by their family but also welcomed into the world as part of nature’s eternal cycle.

The Journey of Light: Teen Transition Ritual

The transition from childhood to adolescence is one of life’s most significant moments, as it marks the growth of responsibility, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world. In Naturis Sancta, we honour this milestone with The Journey of Light ritual, guiding teenagers towards greater connection with nature and the core values of respect, harmony, and peace.

Ritual Process:

Setting: This ceremony is held outdoors, symbolising the teenager’s ongoing journey in life. A walk or hike is chosen, during which the teen stops at various points to reflect on nature’s lessons.
Nature’s Lessons: Along the journey, the teenager pauses at designated points to receive guidance from elders or mentors. Each stop represents an aspect of personal and spiritual growth:
- The Rock: The teen holds a rock, symbolising inner strength and stability. Here, they reflect on the strength they carry within.
- The Wind: Standing in the open air, they feel the breeze, representing flexibility and openness to life’s possibilities.
- The Fire: At a point with a symbolic flame, they reflect on the energy and passion they will need to fuel their growth.
- The Water: Finally, by a stream or body of water, they are reminded of life’s constant flow and the need for emotional balance.
Receiving the Light: At the end of the journey, the teenager is presented with a symbolic item—a candle, crystal, or other sacred object—representing their personal connection to nature and the community. This light is a reminder that, from this moment forward, they are responsible for carrying the values of Naturis Sancta into adulthood.

Words of Wisdom:

Family members and community members offer words of encouragement, wisdom, and support as the teen steps into this new phase of life. Each person shares their hopes for the teen’s future, guiding them to grow into a responsible and harmonious member of Naturis Sancta.

Closing:

The ceremony ends with the lighting of the candle or holding of the crystal, symbolising the start of the teen’s personal journey into adulthood. The light serves as a beacon of their growth and commitment to living in unity with nature and the community.

The Circle of Unity: The Rite of Commitment

For those who wish to formally dedicate themselves to the teachings of Naturis Sancta, The Circle of Unity is a sacred ritual that marks this commitment. Open to individuals of all ages, it is an opportunity to affirm one's connection to nature, the community, and the guiding principles of respect, peace, and unity.

The Circle of Unity: The Rite of Commitment, representing unity with nature and the four elements.

Ritual Process:

Setting: The ceremony takes place outdoors, where participants gather in a circle, barefoot or nude to symbolise their unity with nature. The circle itself represents the wholeness and interconnectedness of life.
The Four Elements: At the centre of the circle, symbols of the four elements are placed: soil for earth, a flame for fire, a bowl of water, and incense or the open air for air. These elements remind us of nature’s balance and the forces that sustain life.
Personal Dedication: One by one, participants step forward to speak their personal dedication to the values of Naturis Sancta. This moment of reflection is an affirmation of their intention to live in harmony with nature and the community. After speaking, each participant washes their hands or face with water, symbolising renewal and purification.
Offering to Nature: After making their commitment, each participant places a small natural item, such as a flower, leaf, or stone, in a shared space. This offering to nature symbolises the continuous cycle of giving and receiving from the earth.
Community Blessing: Once all have made their commitments, the elder or council member formally welcomes them into the community. The group then holds a moment of collective meditation, reflecting on their shared journey and the deeper connection they now hold with nature.

Closing:

The ceremony concludes with a collective song or moment of silence, as the group honours their unity and the shared commitment to live by the teachings of Naturis Sancta. The circle is left open, symbolising the ongoing growth of each individual and the community as a whole.

The Eternal Flow: The Renewal Ceremony

In Naturis Sancta, the values of peace, unity, and harmony with nature are lived daily. The Eternal Flow is a ritual held annually or biannually, offering participants the chance to renew their commitment to these values and reflect on their personal growth over the past year.

The Eternal Flow: The Renewal Ceremony, symbolizing renewal and connection to nature by the flowing water.

Ritual Process:

Setting: Held by a river, waterfall, or other body of flowing water, this ceremony draws on the symbolism of water’s constant motion and renewal. The water serves as a reminder of the ever-changing yet eternal flow of life.
Water Ritual: Each participant approaches the water to symbolically wash their hands or face. This act of washing represents the cleansing of past burdens and the renewal of their commitment to living in harmony with nature and the community.
Personal Reflection: After the water ritual, each participant is invited to spend time in silent reflection at the water’s edge. Here, they contemplate how they have lived according to the teachings of Naturis Sancta over the past year, reflecting on their relationship with nature, their personal growth, and their contributions to the community.
Community Bond: The group then gathers in a circle to share their intentions for the year ahead. As each person speaks, the community’s unity is reaffirmed, and the group collectively supports each member in their journey forward.
Water Offering: To conclude the ritual, each participant pours a small amount of water from their hands back into the river, symbolising their part in the larger flow of life and their ongoing commitment to the values of Naturis Sancta.

Closing:

The ceremony closes with a moment of shared stillness or meditation, where participants focus on the flow of the water and its representation of life’s eternal cycle. As they leave the ceremony, they carry with them the strength of the community and the reaffirmation of their personal dedication to live in harmony with nature.